Mitchell, Earl, Jr.

6-2-2021

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Earl Mitchell, 83, was born to Earl Mitchell, Sr. and Mary Duncan-Mitchell on May 16, 1938, in New Orleans, LA, and passed away on June 2, 2021.  He attended Xavier University in New Orleans where he earned his bachelor's degree in biochemistry.  He subsequently earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry at Michigan State University.  Earl and Bernice Compton were high-school sweethearts and were married in 1959.  To this union, three children were born:  Karen Mitchell, Earl Mitchell, III, and Michael Mitchell.  Following the receipt of his doctorate, the Mitchell family moved to Stillwater, OK, where Earl began his career as a research associate in molecular biology and biochemistry and was promoted to full professor in 1969.  He was the first black tenured professor at OSU.  Although Earl was strongly involved with biochemistry at OSU, he and his family pursued diversity, equality, and inclusion both on the OSU campus and the City of Stillwater.  Earl was the author or co-author of 35 professional publications  in addition to enjoying a robust teaching career.  He was the recipient of numerous state and national awards related to his research.  In February 2007, Earl retired as head of the Department of Biochemistry,  Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, his parents, and his brother, Tyrone.  He is survived by his three children and their spouses Karen Mitchell, Doug Mitchell (Sharlene Matten), and Michael (Tera) Mitchell, and six grandchildren and one great grandchild.  He is also survived by several siblings:  Gerald (Shirley) Mitchell, Brenda Street, Linda (King) Sanchez, Syrene (Verlene) Mitchell, and Sandra (Raymond) Henry.